Great ideas for a new way to implement great contests. I think one design a contest is plenty as I felt my second design always lacked the extra umph of the first design. The declaration of categories will be very helpful in determining which design is done by the newbs and pros. Good thinking.

Honestly, if you did this, more people would have a chance to enter, since some seasons and times work better for some than others. Then again, they could enter all three, haha. I think your plan sounds lovely! But are you sure you have the energy? ;)

Love this idea! Just wih oe would start realy soon. I find it hard to categorize myself, though. If I have created my own pattern 3 or 4 ties, does that make me a pro? Or if I have sewn 400 outfits rom other manufactured patterns, does that make me a pro! Anyway, go for the contests,but maybe make the judging quicker.

This is a great idea. I just found your site. Our youngest has an American Girl type doll, is that okay. She just got it for Christmas. A prize might help us get her a real one like her friends. She does not know the difference but her friends do, and have said so. She has special needs so our budget is very tight.

I plan to enter this-- I'm coming up with a unique design even though I'm a newbie. There are many ethnic and religious clothing designs out there, but none that specifically cater to America's growing Muslim population. So mine will be a stylish, modern, yet "acceptably Islamic" abaya and hijab.